Speedy Tigers on guard
Van Huizen’s men need no reminder of 2010 heartbreak
NATIONAL hockey coach Stephen van Huizen does not want his team to experience another heartbreak in the Asian Games final.
The men’s hockey team have set up a final date with Japan after stunning defending champions and world No. 5 India in a sudden-death penalty shootout 7-6, after the match ended 2-2 in regulation time on Thursday at the Gelora Bung Karno Hockey Stadium.
The team, nicknamed the Speedy Tigers, will win an automatic spot in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games if they beat Japan today.
Stephen, who had previously guided the team to the final for the first time at the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games, doesn’t want to lose again.
Then, the Malaysians sparked high hopes after knocking out favourites India 3-2 in the semis but left home in sheer disappointment after losing 0-2 to Pakistan in the final eight years ago.
Stephen wants his team to tread with caution.
“We can’t be thinking that we’re the champions after knocking out the defending champions,” said Stephen.
“When we entered the final the first time, everyone was celebrating because we created history. This is the second time we are in the final, so why are we celebrating?
“We’ve another big match to handle. We don’t know what type of problem we’ll face but I told the players to enjoy the moment.
“It’s not often that we reach the final, so we must recover from the victory against India and be ready for Japan in the final.
“Our boys have done well so far and the focus is on qualifying for the Olympics. I’m proud of them.”
Athough Japan have qualified for the Olympics by virtue of being the host, coach Siegfried Aikman said they would go all out against Malaysians to win the gold.
“We’ve come this far, so we want to win the final and show that we’ll be at the Olympics on merit,” said the 59-year-old Dutchman.
“The players desire an Asiad gold, and this is the chance of a lifetime. We respect Malaysia as they’re good at penalty corners and have an experienced goalkeeper in S. Kumar.
“We need a good game plan and can’t give our opponents too much space. We must dictate the tempo of the match. Malaysia are the overwhelming favourites but we won’t be pushovers.”